April 19, 2016

Unemployment Claims Trend

The St. Louis Fed put out a graph of initial claims for unemployment benefits. 253,000 is the lowest number seen since the 1970s. You can see how the major spikes coincide with recessions. It has been such a long time without a major rise that it seems impossible that the current trend can hold much longer. I drew a line that shows the bottom of the trend. The line arguably could be a little higher and flatter. It seems to fit the bottom best here though. Regardless, we are overdue for a spike.
This graph shows just how well the economy has been doing. The FED keeps touting 2% inflation targets or whatever magic figure it is. What a joke. We don't need it. Clearly, the only need for such targets is national debt service on our huge national debt. GDP growth last year was modest considering the situation. Some day inflation is going to take off and the FED will be to slow to adapt. That's how it has always been done in history atleast.